The terms alternative medicine and complementary medicine
are often mistakenly utilized as synonyms. In reality, the phrase alternative medicine
refers to medicine systems like acupuncture or homeopathy
,
that are used to replace conventional medicine, while complementary medicine
refersto those therapies like massage that are utilized in harmony
with conventional, or allopathic medicine.
Both end up assumining the same purpose in several
western countries, who are starting to perceive that these medicinal therapies
are a crucial part of healing. That is why in popular jargon,
alternative medicine is commonly referred to as complementary
medicine.
Noteably, a significant aspect of complementary and alternative
medicine (CAM) is that it centers on the individual as a whole. The
treatment is based not only on the patient's physical symptoms,
but also on the individual's lifestyle, surroundings, diet, mental
and emotional health; sometimes even their spiritual well-being
.
Thus alternative medicine is called holistic medicine.
Most devotees recognize acupuncture, osteopathy,
chiropractic, Ayurveda, homeopathy and herbal
medicine as the most significant kinds of alternative and complementary
medicine.
With the exception of homeopathy, most of the alternative and
complementary medicine disciplines have their roots in ancient times
in nations like Egypt, Tibet, Persia and the Far East. Some countries,
notably India and China, are utilizing their knowledge of alternative
and complementary medicine to foster what has come to
be known as medical tourism. A substantial quantity of westerners
are journeying to these Asian Nations to look for holistic cures.
In the West too, a great amount of women are utilizing
aromatherapy and massage, while men are leaning towards
alternative and complementary medicine to feel better from
sports injuries or back soreness.
The other medical matters for which devotees are
turning to CAM are chronic maladies
like arthritis, cystitis,
asthma or chronic fatigue. Even the World Health Organization
(WHO) has accepted the value of holistic treatments. Among
the illnesses that WHO considers can be alleviated with these
approaches are asthma, eczema, digestive disorders and
headaches.
This growing acceptance of alternative and complementary
medicine is a healthy sign for the world, because the
Collaborations that have been so created are helping to take on
many incurable diseases. In the ultimate analysis, we
should not forget that alternative and complementary
medicine systems started thousands of years ago, and
have been successful in treating millions of people through
the ages.
Copyright © 2005 Howard Tiano, has studied optimum health
techniques for three decades, and came to alternative medicine
through a family health crises. Alternative-Medicine-Resources.com
was created to inform visitors of available treatments beyond standard
medical solutions, and cut through the politics and hype! Know your options,
and optimize your health! http://www.alternative-medicine-resource.com
